WWII U.S. Army Veteran Emile J. Dufresne passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the age of 99.  He landed on Omaha Beach on D+16 and served as a combat medic with the 486th Anti-Aircraft Artillery BN in the 3rd Armored Spearhead Division.  While in France and Belgium he also served as a French interpreter.

He said it was God who brought him through the war "without a scratch."  Emile always had a deep and sincere prayer life; reciting the Rosary and "Night Prayers" in French every night.  His father and mother modeled their love of God by gathering their 10 children together each evening for Night Prayer and the Rosary.

His professional career was as a draftsman; including work at the Bath Shipyards in Maine and in Michigan making blueprints for automotive engines, airplane parts and redesigning the gas tank for the Abrams tank to prevent stalling with traversing hilly terrain.

He married his childhood sweetheart, Therese, and they raised five children in Muskegon, Michigan.  In retirement they lived 17 years on 40 acres in the Manistee forest surrounded by federal land, then they later moved to a high and spacious lot in Grawn, Michigan overlooking Interlochen.  They so enjoyed the beauty of nature and praised God daily in work and prayer.

He is preceded in death by his wife Therese; his son Mark; his parents, four brothers, and five sisters.

Emile is survived by his children: Paul Dufresne, Suzanne Dufresne, Marie (Cary) Stougaard, Jeanne (Ken) Liupakka; his grandchildren: Daniel (Jolaine) Liupakka, Jennifer Liupakka, Nick (Jen) Liupakka, Kathleen (Rick) Sawyer and eight great grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Traverse City, MI at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, October 10, 2023, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM.  A celebratory luncheon will follow the Holy Mass.

Contributions in Emile's memory may be in the form of Masses for his soul, to the Veteran's Administration, or to the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars).

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Kingsley Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com